This is a BIG island! OK, its not Australia but far too big to wizz around the whole thing in a day
(we've been told it takes 4-5 days)
so we decided to just take small bites of different areas which we can reach in a few hours drive.
Today we hit the west coast travelling as far as Farino stopping off at various spots to "sample" the locals and view whatever was to be viewed.
The red lineon the map shows where we went.
After about an hours drive we attempted to visit a Tribal Village (even had appropriate "gifts" for the elders) but, surprise surprise it was "ferme" (closed) - as was the little cafe there and the first one we tried at the next small town!
After a light lunch we wandered through an interesting park in La Fao with its totems, sculptures and beautiful gardens - a popular place for a picnic lunch apparently before tackling the mountains to visit Farino and le parc grande fougere - a large national park which can only be accessed by a long and meandering road. On arrival we were somewhat disappointed as it is basically just a starting point for a number of hikes. Although obviously tempted, we decided not to partake in the hiking fun (our sandals and thongs might not have been up to it judging by the steepness of most of the terrain) so instead we headed onto the pretty little village of Sarramea - most of which also appeared to be ferme. On then to the recommended beach, Baie Ouara which hosted the South Pacific surfing event in 2011 - we can only assume that the "waves" must only come at certain times of the year! It was quite a nice spot though but not nice enough to tempt us in.
View of mountains from the road to La Foa
another view
The chicks up on these mountains try to tempt wayfarers!
Sculpture at La Foa park
River near Sarramea
coastal views near Ouara
Looking eastwards towards the mountains from Ouara
Just another island surrounded by coral reef
Looks like fun eh?
Described in the pamphlets as a "wharf" - looked like a boat ramp to us!
(we've been told it takes 4-5 days)
so we decided to just take small bites of different areas which we can reach in a few hours drive.
Today we hit the west coast travelling as far as Farino stopping off at various spots to "sample" the locals and view whatever was to be viewed.
The red line on the map shows where we went.
After about an hours drive we attempted to visit a Tribal Village (even had appropriate "gifts" for the elders) but, surprise surprise it was "ferme" (closed)
- as was the little cafe there and the first one we tried at the next small town!
After a light lunch we wandered through an interesting park in La Fao with its totems, sculptures and beautiful gardens - a popular place for a picnic lunch apparently before tackling the mountains to visit Farino and le parc grande fougere - a large national park which can only be accessed by a long and meandering road. On arrival we were somewhat disappointed as it is basically just a starting point for a number of hikes. Although obviously tempted, we decided not to partake in the hiking fun (our sandals and thongs might not have been up to it judging by the steepness of most of the terrain) so instead we headed onto the pretty little village of Sarramea - most of which also appeared to be ferme.
On then to the recommended beach, Baie Ouara which hosted the South Pacific surfing event in 2011 - we can only assume that the "waves" must only come at certain times of the year! It was quite a nice spot though but not nice enough to tempt us in.